Alfa Romeo Tonale vs Renault Arkana

What's the difference?

This is the first hybrid Alfa Romeo, and its most efficient model yet - two things those historically loyal to the brand might be hesitant to embrace - but like the Giulia and Stelvio it joins in the line-up, this plug-in hybrid Tonale is extremely important to the Milanese brand.

The Tonale, still a relatively new nameplate, must establish itself as a new ‘accessible’ point to the brand in the popular small SUV segment. 

But this, the Veloce plug-in hybrid (PHEV), must prove that even in the more attainable small SUV segment, the brand can still produce something to gain the tick of approval from the rusted-on ‘Alfisti’ - Alfa Romeo’s loyalists.

On top of keeping Alfa’s existing fans happy, the Tonale must also contend with existing segment favourites like the BMW X1, Volvo XC40 and Audi Q3.

Alfa surely knows it won’t reach sales figures to contend with those mentioned, but what the brand can aim for is to be a sexier, desirable alternative.

So, is the Tonale PHEV the right piece of kit for the job?

This time around my family of three has been reviewing the updated Renault Arkana Esprit Alpine mild-hybrid, and you might be wondering… why?

In a market that is positively bursting at the seams with established and new competition, including full-hybrid rivals like the Honda HR-V RS and Hyundai Kona Premium, the Arkana has its work cut out for it.

It’s also a slightly unusual proposition, pairing the raised ride height of an SUV with the swooping roofline of a coupe, while sticking with a mild-hybrid powertrain as more and more rivals make the jump to full-hybrid.

So, does this small French SUV coupe still have enough going for it to stand out from the crowd?